Azerbaijan’s Friday wrap-up the week of 9 September 2024.
PACE to Address Azerbaijan’s Human Rights Crisis
The Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) is set to discuss the deteriorating human rights situation in Azerbaijan during its autumn session. This follows a period of heightened tensions between Azerbaijan and PACE, particularly after Azerbaijan banned entry to delegates who voted in favor of suspending the country’s voting rights in January. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has stated that the ban would be lifted once Azerbaijan rejoins the organization, accusing PACE of crossing a “red line” by sanctioning Azerbaijan after it restored its sovereignty.
The session will include debates on Azerbaijan’s obligations to the Council of Europe, with potential recommendations for actions against Azerbaijan for non-compliance. Additionally, the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize will be awarded, with imprisoned Azerbaijani activist Akif Gurbanov among the nominees.
Human rights defenders, including Leyla Yunus and Arzu Abdullayeva, have criticized the Azerbaijani government’s approach, highlighting ongoing repressions and arrests. They anticipate that the session could lead to resolutions against Azerbaijan, emphasizing the need for the country to fulfill its commitments to the Council of Europe, including releasing political prisoners and cooperating fully with anti-torture committees.
MSK Acknowledges Some Polling Violations, Results Stand
Azerbaijan’s Central Election Commission (MSK) partially acknowledged electoral violations but maintained the overall results. The session, held on September 13, reviewed complaints from various parliamentary candidates alleging multiple irregularities during the snap elections conducted on September 1. The commission dismissed the complaint of Jahandar Ismayilov from the Nasimi-Yasamal district but partially upheld the grievances of Gulaga Aslanli and Shahriyar Majidzade from Nasimi-Binagedi and Tartar-Aghdara-Goranboy districts, respectively.
MSK member Ramiz Ibrahimov detailed the investigation into the complaint by Vəfa Nağı, a candidate from the Neftchala district, who alleged that observers were obstructed, ballot stuffing occurred, and votes were counted outside the designated areas. Despite presenting substantial evidence, including 86 videos and 49 protocols, the commission found only two videos valid, leading to the annulment of results in six polling stations. However, the decision of the district electoral commission remained unchanged.
Vafa Naghi reported being barred from the session and detained in an elevator, which she discussed in a video on her Facebook page, criticizing the MSK for ignoring her evidence and making an “absurd” decision.
Court Proceeds with Charges Against Ali Karimli
Ali Karimli, the leader of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP), has been officially charged following a lawsuit initiated by Aydin Aliyev, a former party member. The court session, presided over by Judge Babek Panahov, is scheduled for September 19. This legal action stems from Karimli’s public accusations against Aliyev, alleging his collaboration with the government and betrayal of the party, which reportedly reached over 74,000 viewers.
Aliyev, leveraging these allegations, seeks to hold Karimli accountable under the defamation clause of the Criminal Code. In contrast, Karimli’s defense, led by lawyer Fakhreddin Mehdiyev, argues that the charges are baseless and should be dismissed, suggesting that the lawsuit is a strategic move to delay and pressure Karimli. Despite these objections, the court decided to proceed with the charges.
The APFP has condemned the lawsuit as a government-orchestrated attempt to sideline the party and restrict Kerimli’s political activities. They claim that the government is using Aliyev, who was expelled from the party for pro-government activities, as a tool in their broader strategy to suppress opposition voices.
Ilqar Mammadov resigns as REAL Party head
Ilqar Mammadov, the leader of the Republican Alternative Party (REAL) in Azerbaijan, has resigned from his position following the Central Election Commission’s (CEC) rejection of his complaint regarding the annulment of election results in his district.
Mammadov, who has led the party since its official registration as a political entity in 2020, announced his resignation on Facebook, citing the CEC’s dismissal of his key arguments and evidence as the primary reason for his decision.
In his resignation statement, Mammadov expressed his commitment to stepping down as promised in 2023, pending the Constitutional Court’s decision on the election results. He indicated that the REAL Party’s Political Committee would select a new leader following his final video address.
